MATCHUP MICROSCOPE: Seahawks RB Julius Jones vs. 49ers LB Patrick Willis. Willis led the NFL in tackles as a rookie last season and picked up where he left off in the 49ers' season-opening loss to the Cardinals with a team-high nine tackles. The Seahawks must be able to run the ball to take some pressure off the short-handed passing game. For that to happen, the revamped middle of the offensive line and fullback Leonard Weaver will have to keep Willis from stopping Jones before he can get started.

ONE TO WATCH: Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck vs. his own receivers. By coach Mike Holmgren's count, the Seahawks dropped six passes in their downer of an opener against the Bills. Sunday, Hasselbeck will be throwing not to a who's who of receivers -- with his top four out with injuries -- but a who-are-these-guys? collection of inexperienced and off-the-street receivers. They will have to give him more help than he got in Buffalo.

FUN TO WATCH: Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson. The former 49er always seems to find a way to come up with something special for his former team, including four sacks last season. He's back to wearing the No. 98 that also was his number in San Francisco, but he still might want to remind them who he is. Peterson is in for another busy day while helping contain 49ers running back Frank Gore, covering tight end Vernon Davis and pressuring quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan.

NOTABLE: The Seahawks outscored the 49ers 47-3 in their home-and-home series last season. ... Gore, who gouged the Seahawks for 212- and 144-yard rushing performances in 2006, averaged 6.9 yards on 14 carries against the Cardinals last week, including a 41-yard TD run. He has averaged 6.1 yards per carry in five games against the Seahawks. ... The Seahawks have not started 0-2 since 2002. ... 49ers wide receiver Bryant Johnson, who played the past five seasons with the Cardinals, has a touchdown reception in four of his past five games against the Seahawks. ... The Seahawks have won 24 of their past 28 games at Qwest Field, including playoff games, and 15 of their past 19 against division opponents. ... In 10 career starts against the 49ers, Hasselbeck is 8-2 and has completed 64 percent of his passes (219 of 341) for 2,726 yards, 21 TDs and 10 interceptions. ... O'Sullivan makes his second NFL start, and first on the road.